What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Absolute Two-Face and Absolute Penguin have been revealed in variant-cover art for Absolute Batman #21. The designs are part of the existing series—not an announcement of separate titles—and put Bruce Wayne’s former childhood friends Harvey Dent and Oswald Cobblepot on the path toward their familiar villain identities.
What was confirmed—and where
ComicBook.com reported on March 22, 2026, that DC’s June solicitations included Absolute Batman #21 variant covers by series artist Nick Dragotta, offering the first look at the characters’ new designs. The cover reveal confirms their visual direction, but it does not by itself establish the full extent of either character’s role in the issue. ComicBook.com’s report covers the reveal.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Absolute Batman (2024-) #21 | $4.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Absolute Batman #24A DC | $7.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Absolute Batman #23C DC | $11.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Absolute Batman #20A DC | $7.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Batman Absolute City Cover T-Shirt | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
DC’s current issue page lists Absolute Batman #21 for June 17, 2026. A March 29 Popverse article, following the earlier solicitation schedule, gave June 10 instead. The dates differ by a week; DC’s current listing is the more up-to-date publisher reference. DC’s issue page lists the issue and date.
What the two designs look like
Absolute Two-Face
Dragotta’s cover design gives Harvey Dent long white hair and a black-and-white outfit. Scott Snyder, the series writer, explained the hair choice in AIPT’s March 21, 2026 report: “Nick came up with the long hair both to mimic an antique judge, and so he can use it to hide the side of his face that’s not in control.” The judge-like silhouette and the hair’s role in concealing part of Dent’s face are Snyder’s stated design reasoning, not just an interpretation of the artwork. AIPT’s report quotes him on the design.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
Absolute Penguin
On the cover, Oswald Cobblepot is shorter and hunched, and uses crutches that double as guns, according to ComicBook.com’s description. Snyder cautioned that this is not necessarily Penguin’s final look: “Penguin’s design is going to evolve. That’s kind of the way he looks with no gear.” Popverse quotes Snyder saying the crutches, guns, gadgets, umbrella elements, and jewelry would become flashier. Those comments are a creator tease about the design’s evolution, not confirmation that every mentioned detail has appeared in the comic. Popverse’s report includes the comments.
Why these reveals matter in the Absolute continuity
In this version of Gotham, Harvey Dent and Oswald Cobblepot were among Bruce Wayne’s childhood friends. DC named both in its December 2024 announcement about Bruce’s circle, alongside Selina Kyle, Edward Nygma, and Waylon Jones. Their emergence as familiar foes therefore carries a relationship change as well as a new visual design: Bruce’s antagonists come from people he knew as a child. DC’s announcement introduced the childhood-friend group.
Rank #2
- Cover art by Nick Dragotta
- Written by Scott Snyder
- Illustrated by Nick Dragotta
The series also reworks Bruce’s background. In a September 2024 interview, DC described Absolute Bruce as an engineer who grew up without the generational wealth usually associated with him. Snyder summarized the changed relationships by saying, “He knows the villains in a different way.” DC’s interview with Snyder and Dragotta provides that context.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where issue #21 sits in the story
For readers joining at the reveal, the relevant preceding arc is collected in Absolute Batman Vol. 2: Abomination, which DC says collects issues #7–14 and includes the Ark M/Bane storyline. It supplies earlier story context, but it does not include issue #21 or these covers. DC lists the U.S. graphic novel at $29.99 with an on-sale date of February 3, 2026. DC’s Vol. 2 page gives the collection details.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- Written by Scott Snyder
- Illustrated by Nick Dragotta
For a series starting point, Absolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo collects issues #1–6. DC’s Vol. 1 page identifies its contents.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Batman Absolute City Cover is officially licensed Batman merchandise! (BM3992)
- Batman is a superhero first published by DC Comics in 1939. After witnessing the murder of his parents, Bruce Wayne swore vengeance and trained to fight criminals like The Joker, Catwoman, Penguin, Riddler, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, and Bane.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
Rank #4
- Written by Scott Snyder
- Illustrated by Nick Dragotta
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
